disperse

/dɪˈspɜːs/verb

To spread out or move apart over a wide area, or to make things do this.

Example sentences

“Once the concert ended, the crowd slowly dispersed into the streets.”
“Police used loudspeakers to ask the protesters to disperse peacefully.”

Crowds disperse, fog disperses, police disperse protesters. Compare 'dissipate', which stresses fading away to nothing.

Synonyms for disperse

scatter
spread out
break up

Antonyms

Often confused with disperse

disperse vs dissipate: dissipate (verb): To scatter and gradually disappear, or to cause something to fade away.

Related words

accumulateTo gather things together gradually until they form a large amount or pile.displayAn arrangement of goods in a store or window, set out so that customers can see them.dispelTo make something, such as a feeling or belief, go away by scattering or driving it off.dispositionA person's natural character or usual mood.dispatchA report or communication delivered with speed, especially an official one from a diplomat, journalist, or military officer; also, quickness in getting something done.disproveTo show that a claim or belief is not true.